Many of brides that I work with as a San Jose Wedding Officiant are overwhelmed by thought of changing their names. They don’t know where to begin or who to contact so they put the whole thing off. In most cases changing your name is quite simple. I have outlined the process below.

Get a certified copy of your marriage license (officially called a marriage certificate) from the same County Clerk’s office that you applied for your marriage license at. Your marriage certificate is typically available three weeks after your wedding ceremony. Some counties allow you to order your marriage certificate online. There will be a small fee.

Go to your local DMV and Social Security Offices and ask them them change your name. In most cases they will let you change your name without going to court when you show them your certified marriage certificate.

Complete your tax return with your new name. Social Security will forward the information regarding your name change to the IRS. It’s a good idea to confirm that the IRS has received this information

You will need to write a letter to the State Franchise Tax Board informing them that you have changed your name. Include your prior name, new name and social security number in the letter.

A list of other organizations your will need to contact is below:

San Francisco Passport Agency

Bank accounts

Credit cards

Insurance

Investments

Legal documents

Other bills

Any place your name is listed

If any of you have other advice for people wanting to change their names, please post a comment.